Massachusetts

GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of Massachusetts. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.

Massachusetts
Bike helmets required?

Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 17.

Massachusetts
Motorcycle Helmet Required?

Universal helmet law enacted 1967.

Massachusetts
Length of Regular Renewal Cycle

5 years

Massachusetts
Provisions for Mature Drivers

75 and over: renewal in person only

Massachusetts
Marijuana Possession and Use

Decriminalized and legal for medical and recreational use

Massachusetts
Marijuana Impaired Driving

None

Massachusetts
DUID Zero Tolerance or Per se Laws for Some Drugs

None

Massachusetts
Rural Interstates: Cars (MPH)

65

Massachusetts
Rural Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

65

Massachusetts
Urban Interstates: Cars (MPH)

65

Massachusetts
Urban Interstates: Trucks (MPH)

65

Massachusetts
Other Limited Access Roads: Cars (MPH)

65

Massachusetts
Other Limited Access Roads: Trucks (MPH)

65

Massachusetts
Increased penalty for high BAC

0.2

Massachusetts
Administrative license suspension on first offense

90 days

Massachusetts
Limited driving privileges during suspension

Yes

Massachusetts
Ignition Interlocks

Mandatory for repeat convictions

Massachusetts
Open container laws

Yes

Massachusetts
Repeat Offender Laws

Yes

Massachusetts
Child Restraint Required

7 yrs or under and under 57" tall

Massachusetts
Adult Safety Belt Permissible

8-12 yrs or 57" or taller

Massachusetts
Intermediate Stage: Passenger Restrictions (Except Family, Unless Noted)

First 6 months: no passengers under 18

Massachusetts
Full Privilege Minimum Age

Nighttime driving: 18 years Driving with passengers: 17 years

Massachusetts
Learner Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16

Massachusetts
Learner Stage: Minimum Duration (Months)

6

Massachusetts
Learner Stage: Supervised Driving Hours (Night Hours in Parenthesis)

40; 30 with advanced driver training

Massachusetts
Intermediate Stage: Minimum Age (Years/Months)

16 / 6

Massachusetts
Intermediate Stage: Nighttime Driving Restriction

12:30 a.m. - 5 a.m. (secondary enforcement 12:30 a.m. - 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. - 5 a.m.)

Massachusetts
Type of Law

Secondary

Massachusetts
Who is Covered?

13 and over

Massachusetts
In What Seat?

All

Massachusetts
Hand-Held Ban?

Yes. Primary law.

Massachusetts
All Cell Phone Ban? School Bus Drivers

Yes. Primary law.

Massachusetts
All Cell Phone Ban? Novice Drivers

Drivers under 18. Primary law.

Massachusetts
Text Messaging Ban?

All drivers. Primary law.

Massachusetts
Speed Cameras: Where Permitted

n/a

Massachusetts
Red Light Cameras: State Law

None

Massachusetts
Red Light Cameras: Where Permitted

n/a

Massachusetts
Speed Cameras: State Law

None
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